In 2021 alone, more than 1.6 million new displacements due to disasters were recorded and the least optimistic analyzes estimate that there could be 17 million climate refugees in the region by 2050, said the CAF Development Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean .
On its website, the organization deplored the increasing forced migration flows in areas such as Darién and advocated for solutions to prevent worsening inequality and poverty.
Climatic and geophysical phenomena also caused 312,000 deaths and directly affected more than 277 million people in 1998-2000, the source added, based on data from the World Meteorological Organization.
This part of the world needs orderly, safe migration flows that contribute to economic growth, according to the CAF, whose informative note highlighted the debate on the issue at the COP28 climate summit.
The event was attended by photographer and journalist Federico Ríos, whose work captured the faces of migrants from Darién, the statement continued.
Before 2021, around 10,000 people ventured through the jungle border annually and by the end of 2023 the number through the Darién will rise to almost 500,000; “It is a dramatic advance,” the text says.
However, “the majority of climate mobility has so far taken place internally, it takes place within countries.” Especially from rural areas to urban areas, and that’s where cities actually play a fundamental role,” said specialist Pablo Escribano.
According to the CAF, countries should advance the development of resilient infrastructure, improve natural resource management and promote sustainable agricultural practices to counter the phenomenon.
Also. With advice, they can develop immigration policies that ensure access to basic rights and services such as education, health and protection from violence and discrimination.
In addition, international cooperation is crucial to developing solutions that benefit everyone. This also includes the coordination of migration policy, help for countries of origin and support for migrants, the CAF summarized.
ro/mjm